The Best Down Comforters, Tested and Reviewed

Nov 07, 2024

Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

From Brooklinen to Crane & Canopy, these are our top picks.

When it comes to the top layer of bedding, you have many options, such as quilts, blankets, and comforters. Today, we are focused on the best down comforters, which makes sense because these are the go-to luxury options for when temperatures start to drop. Now that there's an obvious chill in the air, it is time to upgrade our bedding to provide us with cozy vibes. And many people on our team have tested and shared their favorite down comforters ahead.

In case you didn't know, down is not a fancier way to refer to anything filled with feathers. Down refers to the soft, light, and fluffy feathers underneath the outermost feathers of ducks and geese. Because there are fewer down feathers than outer feathers (and because they are derived from animals), down is generally the most expensive option for comforter filling. If you like the feel and quality associated with down but don't like the idea of enjoying products made from animals (what are your thoughts on taxidermy?), know that plenty of options on our list source their down ethically and sustainably.

We chatted with Brooklinen Design Director Katie Elks to get the lowdown on everything related to down, including how to clean it, where to buy it, and what to look for. Keep reading to make an educated purchase that you will definitely not regret.

Brooklinen needs no introduction in our book, as our editors are fans of its sheet sets. If you're not as familiar with the product offerings, though, let us add that two people on our team own Brooklinen comforters, too, and love them to death. "My very first down comforter came from Brooklinen years ago and though I have accumulated a few others since from various brands, the All-Season style from Brooklinen is still one of my favorites," Senior Commerce Editor Marina Liao says. "I opted for All-Season because I wanted a down comforter I could use year-round. Plus, I wasn't sure if I wanted an Ultra Warm (even though I get cold easily) because my apartment gets pretty toasty in the winter. The comforter is lightweight and airy, so when it settles on you, it feels like a cloud is pressing down on your body while providing warmth at the same time. If you want something more weighted though, this comforter isn't for you."

Fill Material: Hypoallergenic DOWNMARK Certified down | Fill Power: Not listed | Construction: Baffle box | Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king

For anyone transitioning from any other form of cozy bedding—coverlet, quilt, or traditional blanket—to a comforter, this makes for a great introduction to down—especially because the price is relatively affordable considering how expensive a queen-size down comforter can be. In fact, this was Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner's first at-home experience with down, and she has quite a few positive things to say about it. "I bought this down comforter when my boyfriend and I moved in together. I had only ever slept with a blanket and quilt. He, on the other hand, really wanted a down comforter, so we compromised and got a down comforter," she jokes. "I was ready to order one but hesitated to actually make a purchase because I couldn't justify spending hundreds of dollars on a comforter, but then I found Quince and clicked 'add to cart' immediately. The price was definitely right. I was actually thinking that something had to be wrong or amiss with this comforter because, well, why was it so cheap? I've slept on it for about five months now and can confirm it's just as good as the super pricey ones." The only downside? If you sleep warm, this thing definitely traps heat.

Fill Material: White down | Fill Power: 650 | Construction: Baffle box | Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king

Though it may be argued that all down comforters skew luxurious, this one is next-level. It's the perfect combination of warm, breathable, and durable, and it's all wrapped in a 400-thread count, 100 percent cotton cover for added softness. Deputy Photo Director Dangi McCoy says, "This comforter is so soft and has quite a bit of loft to it, so it gives the bed that cloud-like look you often see in department stores. It's also so comfortable and warm, which I love because I tend to get cold at night," she adds.

If you don't want to be sweating in the summer, though, opt for the all-year option, which is filled with more white goose down feathers than the lightweight option and a few less than the extra cozy option. The all-year is the perfect halfway point and, as its name implies, really works for all seasons.

Fill Material: Goose down | Fill Power: 650 | Construction: Baffle box | Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king

Many down comforters cannot be washed, so if you're looking for an option that can, add this Coop option to your cart ASAP. "The second down comforter I got after Brooklinen's All-Season style was this one from Coop," Liao says. "My husband and I like to grab and hug the corners of our comforter when we sleep, and all that tugging usually leads to one person having more of the comforter than the other. I bought this comforter in a King size, so we didn't have to fight each other for coverage anymore, and I immediately noticed it felt a bit heavier than my Brooklinen one. It's also warmer, so I love using it in the fall/winter. I also think being able to wash this is a massive plus because who knows what kind of microscopic dirt and dander accumulates on the comforter over time!"

Fill Material: 100 percent duck down | Fill Power: Not listed | Construction: Not listed | Sizes: Full/queen, king/California king

As evidenced by this list, most people tend to buy white down comforters. Contributing writer Kelsey Mulvey, however, did things a little differently. She wanted something she wouldn't stick inside a duvet cover or get dirty. "My husband and I love having a snack while we're watching a movie in bed, and this navy hue gives me some peace of mind about accidentally getting popcorn butter or coffee on it," she says. "Of course, this layer holds up just as well as a typical white comforter. The ethically sourced down is cozy but not too insulating. Plus, the box stitching keeps the down from awkwardly clumping in a corner."

Back to the color, though. If navy isn't your thing, you have 17 additional options to consider, including tan, copper, and thyme. In terms of warmth, you have four options: light, medium warmth, extra warmth, and ultra warmth. Mulvey has the medium warmth option and says it's perfect all year round.

Fill Material: 100 percent RDS down | Fill Power: 500-550 | Construction: Sewn-through | Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king

When it came to determining the best down comforters on the market, we, of course, had to test quite a few of them to decide whether or not they were genuinely of good quality. Several of my fellow House Beautiful editors and I tested all of the aforementioned options in our homes for at least six months to give us enough time to review them properly as the seasons changed. Some of us, however, have had our beloved comforters for years, so you know that's a real testament to their durability and longevity.

We'll be the first to preface by saying that what is soft and cozy to us may not feel the same for you, so if you want to get a real sense of feel, read more about the material and fill power, which will give you a better idea. With that in mind, we do break down all the important elements, from material to down type and breathability, so that you can make an informed decision on which comforters sound the softest and coziest for your own sleeping habits. We also did not hold back on pointing out some pros and cons for shoppers to consider, as this is the most realistic way to purchase products. It's up to you if the pros outweigh the cons for you and vice versa. Luckily, we just so happened to love all of the down comforters we tested and plan on keeping them in our rotation for, well, as long as they'll last.

When shopping for down comforters, there are a few factors to consider. To ensure you're buying the best option for your sleep needs, take a peek at the below, which includes advice and facts from our expert, Brooklinen's design director, Katie Elks. "Quality is the first thing I'd recommend looking for in a duvet insert, as a high-quality comforter can last for years. The quality of the product can be identified in a few ways," she notes.

Feathers vs. Clusters: Though all down comforters are filled with feathers, the type may vary. Elks says, "Look for a minimum of 75 percent down clusters when shopping for down inserts. This is the industry standard, and down clusters are more soft, effective, and long-lasting than down feathers." Clusters are also usually a bit quieter than feathers, so if you don't like that crinkly sound, go with clusters.

Fill Power: If you've read product descriptions on the retailers' sites, you will see the term "fill power" pop up a lot. In simple terms, fill power is a measurement of both the quality and fluffiness of down and is measured as the number of cubic inches of loft per ounce of down. The higher the number, the better the quality and the fluffier the comforter will be. Elks explains, "An insert with a minimum of 600 fill power will ensure insulation while staying lightweight, and you can add fill power from there for a warmer, fluffier comforter." The maximum fill power is 900, which is ideal for anyone who sleeps cold.

Construction: The only downside of down comforters is the fact that the feathers can shift, resulting in a big puff of down on one side of the blanket and an absence on another. "Look for a baffle box construction, which ensures the down clusters stay evenly distributed throughout the night," Elks suggests. All of our picks include baffle box or sewn-through construction, which minimizes how much the feathers shift.

Unfortunately, there's no set number that is often considered the best when it comes to down fill power because what's good for you may not be good for someone else. That said, the higher the number, the better the quality is, so if you aren't sure what to get, opt for anything above 700. That said, if you sleep hot, a down comforter with a down fill power of 900 will be very uncomfortable. You will definitely be sweating. A safe bet, Elks says, is between 600 and 750.

Because down comforters are made from animal products, they are generally more expensive than comforters filled with synthetic materials. Elks says, "A high-quality down comforter should start at $199 (for a twin), and a high-quality down alternative comforter should start at $159 (for a twin)." Of course, the prices also depend on the brand and size you're shopping for, so take these prices with a grain of salt.

One of the easiest ways to keep your comforter clean is to tuck it into a duvet cover. Elks says, "You want to have a barrier between you and the comforter to ensure body oils do not reach the surface, which is why duvet covers are great solutions to keeping your comforter clean." If you want to deep clean your down comforter (and you should do it every one to two years), get it dry-cleaned. Otherwise, treat small stains with a soft soap like Woolite, Elks recommends. One key note to remember, though: "You can dry clean for large stains if the first method doesn't help. However, dry cleaning will shorten the lifespan of comforters as the chemicals remove the natural oils in the down, and the clusters will break down faster," Elks warns.

When it comes to picking out the best (and most affordable) pieces for any bedroom, including my own, I am always on the hunt for pieces that will make a positive difference in my life. In fact, I have been reviewing bedding products for more than eight years, and I shamelessly own more than eight (yes, eight!) sets of sheets and two comforters (one of which is filled with down and the other is filled with eucalyptus lyocell because I sleep warm in the summer), so who better to write about the best bedding options from some of House Beautiful's favorite brands than me? During my tenure as a shopping editor at House Beautiful, I have written about my personal favorite bamboo sheets, sustainable sheets, silk pillowcases, and more. For this story, several of my fellow editors and I spent weeks, and even years, sleeping on dozens of top-rated bedding brands to determine the best down comforters to purchase ourselves and recommend to readers. If you're trying to snag more for your bed than just a comforter, though, I've also written about the most comfortable latex pillows, cooling mattress toppers, and more, so shop away.

37 Luxury Furniture Brands for a More Layered Look

8 Tiny Homes to Buy That Expand Your Space Fast

The Best Arhaus Sofas for the Design-Obsessed

Shop all of Oprah's Favorite Kitchen Essentials

Which Cloud Couch Is Truly the Best?

The Luxury Sheets We Buy on Repeat

60 Best Online Furniture Stores to Shop Now

The Mila Air Purifier Is Truly Worth Every Penny

Quince Luggage Is a Must-Have for Overpackers

Everyone's Buying Cordless Lamps—Shop Our Favs

17 Small Sectional Sofas to Make Any Room Feel Big

15 Best Sleeper Chairs Overnight Guests Will Love